SPOKANE, Wash. -- It was a great start to the Washington career of senior transfer Brad Jacobson as his goal led the Dawgs to a 1-0 victory over Gonzaga. The graduate student who transferred from Dartmouth buried a header for the game’s only goal to start the Husky season with a win.

“It was very much an opening game for us,” said head coach Jamie Clark. “We were feeling them out and there was some tentative play, but it was great to get a result. Those are the type of games you need to play early on to grow as a team.”

Jacobson, who scored just three goals in his career at Dartmouth is expected to be a main offensive contributor for the Huskies this season. He made an immediate impact, scoring with his head off a cross from another transfer, Darwin Jones.

Jones got free down the left wing, utilizing his speed and hit a perfect cross to Jacobson. Jones who comes to UW after two years at Highline Community College is also expected to make an immediate impact this season.

Josh Heard was also credited with an assist as he played the ball to Jones. Heard came off the bench for one of four Husky shots on goal to go with the assist.

Freshman Cristian Roldan and senior defender Taylor Peay had the other Husky shots on goal.

The Dawgs were outshot in the game, but still managed the shutout. Gonzaga had 14 shots to 10 from Washington, but Spencer Richey made seven saves to earn his 26th career shutout, just five shy of the school record. Richey was named a preseason All-American earlier on Friday by College Soccer News and looked the part.

“Gonzaga battled to the final kick, so give them credit for that,” said Clark. “I think this is the best Gonzaga team I have seen. They really played hard and it was good to be tested here early.”

The Dawgs will now return home for a pair of games next week. Washington will stay in the WCC when they take on Santa Clara on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. and Portland on Friday, also at 7:30.